How to MLA format in Google Docs: Step by Step Guide

Mastering MLA format a Google Docs is a game-changer for students and researchers eager to streamline their academic documentation. When it comes to creating professional, compliant, and visually appealing scholarly papers, understanding how to expertly apply the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines within Google Docs can save you not only time but also a lot of stress. In this article you will learn the steps to ensure your documents adhere to these widely recognized formatting standards, enabling you to focus more on content quality and less on formatting intricacies. Get into the seamless integration of MLA formatting in Google Docs, simplifying your writing process and boosting your academic productivity.

What is MLA Formatting

MLA style, or MLA format is a set of guidelines developed by the Modern Language Association for writing research papers. It is widely used in humanities, especially in writing on language and literature. The most current MLA format, the 9th edition, emphasizes consistency and clarity in document formatting, including specifics such as font size, spacing, and citation style.

Why Use Google Docs for MLA Formatting

Google Docs offers a flexible and accessible platform for document creation with features that support MLA formatting seamlessly. Whether you're working on a school project or preparing a paper for publication, Google Docs enables real-time collaboration and easy-to-use formatting tools.

MLA Formatting Guidelines on Google Docs

Here’s how to format your document according to MLA guidelines:

• Set one-inch margins on all sides of your document.
• Start every paragraph with a half-inch indentation.
• Use Times New Roman font in size 12 for all text.
• Indent quotations that are set off from the main text by one inch.
• Double-space throughout the entire document.
• Include your last name and page number in the top right corner of every page.
• At the top of the first page, list your full name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the due date.
• Center the title of the paper on the first page.
• End the document with a Works Cited page that lists all sources formatted according to MLA guidelines..

How to do MLA Format on Google Docs

If you do not wish to use templates for your formatting then you can also do this. MLA formatting in Google Docs is possible without Templates also. However, this will be a little elaborate to do so.

Step 1: Open New Document

Open Google Docs on your computer or laptop. Open the new document or an already existing one where you want to apply MLA Formatting.

Step 2: Select Font Type and Size

Choose your font type to be Times New Roman and then change the font size to 12 points.

Step 3: Go to Insert, Click on Headers & Footers and Select Header

Click on the Insert tab and then select the option of headers and footers and then header.

(Make sure the font is the same as selected earlier.)

Step 4: Select Alignment

Select right align and type your last name.

Step 5: Click on Page Numbers and Select desired Page

Then click Insert, page numbers, and add the one that displays.

Step 6: Set the margin

Then, go to file, page set up, and then set the margin to 1 inch or 2.54 cm.

Note: Usually, margins are set to 1 inch by default, but we recommend to check it once.

Step 7: Go to Line & Paragraph Spacing and Select Double

Click on-line spacing, a dropdown menu will appear, select double among the given options and also if there are spaces after paragraph then in the same dropdown also select remove space after paragraph.

Step 8: Enter Details of the Report

On the MLA heading include your name, the professor's name, the course name, and the due date of the assignment all on separate lines. Press enter on the keyboard once, then write the tittle of the text.

Keep the text simple and classy, no need to use bold or italics or underline. Capitalize all words in the title except for small words like articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.

Step 9: Change Alignment and Indentation

Press enter on the keyboard, and then align the text to the left. Indent the sentences, by dragging the ruler on top of the document. After this drag the rectangle to half an inch or 1.27 cm.

Step 10: Go to Insert, Click on Break and Select Page Break

Access the Insert Tab. A dropdown will appear. Click on break, and then select Page Break from the further displayed dropdown.

How to Use the MLA Template in Google Docs

MLA formatting in Google Docs can be done by using the MLA template which is available in Google Docs itself. These templates are easy to use as the format is already designed. You just have to select the template of your choice and then can easily change the words of the template with your own words.

It is an easy method to write assignments in MLA format by just using the template.

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Open Google Docs on your browser and go to its home page by signing in.

Step 2: Click on Template Gallery

After logging in the Google Docs, find the template gallery option shown in the top right corner and click on it.

Step 3: Select Report Template

As you click on the template gallery, you will find lots of template options provided by Google. Select the Report MLA template from those and open it. Now the header will be available.

Step 4: Type your the Last Name and Replace Other Information

Type your last name beyond the page number. Replace the name, professor's name, subject name, and date on the template according to you.

Step 5: Replace the Text

Replace the whole text on the template with your text.

Step 6: Make Changes in Work Cited

As you scroll down, you will see the work cited section, change the sample text to the citation information for the sources that are used in the paper. It includes the author's last name, comma first name, and the medium of the paper.

How Do You Cite in Google Docs

Citing sources in Google Docs is straightforward thanks to the built-in citation feature that helps you format your citations according to different styles, including MLA, APA, and Chicago. Here’s how to use it:

Citations should include the author's last name followed by a comma and the first name. If the author uses their first name in publications, include that as well. Additionally, the citation must specify the medium of the publication.

Step 1: Open your Google Docs

Step 2: Go to Tools and Click on Citations

Go to Tools in the Top Menu and Click on Citations from the Options

Step 3: Click on Plus (+) icon to add Citation Source

Add a source by clicking on the “+ Add citation source” button.

Step 6: Fill in the source information

Fill in the source information such as the author’s name, title of the source, container (like a book or journal), publication date, publisher, etc.

Step 7: Insert the citation

Insert the citation into your document by clicking on the “Cite” button next to the source.

Step 8: Google Docs will automatically create and insert a formatted in-text citation

Google Docs will automatically create and insert a formatted in-text citation in your document where your cursor is placed.

Step 9: Automatically generate a Works Cited or References page

Automatically generate a Works Cited or References page at the end of your document with all the sources you've cited.

Conclusion

MLA formatting is needed very often in our work reports and projects. It is a modern language to submit information and gather it in an organized manner and a unique way of formatting papers and creating citations. To get handy with this formatting is very useful in daily life and can save a lot of time making reports, thesis, and assignments easily.

It can be done with or without a template however, using a template makes it an easier assignment as it can be simply done by replacing the sample text with your text. It is a unique way of formatting papers and creating citations.